City man accused of being part of alleged meth ring pleads guilty to federal charges...
A man from Jamestown has pleaded guilty to federal charges for being part of a methamphetamine drug ring in the city from mid-June of 2019... to October of 2020. U.S. Attorney Trini Ross says 31 year-old Michael Murphy entered the plea before U.S. District Court in Buffalo to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Prosecutors say that Murphy bought, sold and distributed quantities of meth for profit. Members of the U.S. Marshall's Service and other law enforcement officers went to a Bishop Street home in July of 2019 to arrest a fugitive... but, also saw Murphy with -- in plain view -- distribution amounts of methamphetamine. They seized the meth, and more than $1,400 in cash. They later got a search warrant... and later seized another 223 grams of actual meth and drug paraphernalia. Law enforcement later raided Murphy's home on Newland Avenue. He was later arrested with more meth, illicit mushrooms and other items... two guns and ammunition... and more than $1,600 in cash. If convicted... he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.
Erie, Pa. man accused of hitting another vehicle on lake bridge and fleeing scene early Sunday...
A man from Erie, Pa. has been arrested for allegedly driving drunk when his car almost struck another vehicle on the Chautauqua Lake Bridge early Sunday morning. Sheriff's officers responded to a vehicle complaint on Interstate 86 about Midnight Sunday. The motorist complained that another westbound vehicle had almost struck their car. Deputies did locate the other vehicle... still traveling west on I-86 in the town of Sherman. They stopped 59 year-old Robert Schultz of Erie... and, found he was allegedly driving while under the influence. He faces four charges... including DWI... and, was taken to the Sheriff's Office for processsing. Schultz was issued appearance ticket for Sherman Town Court.
Ellington man arrested for criminal mischief...
An Ellington man has been arrested for allegedly damaging and stealing property belonging to someone else on West Hill Road early Sunday morning. Sheriff's deputies were called to the address shortly after 2:30 a.m., and, during their investigation... officer also learned that 34 year-old Brandon Todd had also violated an order of protection. Todd was arrested for fourth-degree criminal mischief... and, second-degree criminal contempt. He was taken to the county jail pending centralized arraignment.
Chautauqua Lake in good shape for Fourth of July...
The head of the Chautauqua Lake Association believes the lake will be in pretty good shape for the 4th of July. Executive Director, Doug Conroe, says the first weed of the season -- the Leafy Pond Weed -- was light. Conroe says it came in early this year... and, had now dropped to the lake issue. He adds there is nothing else that's become a "real issue" yet. As of last Friday.... the association was still some doing some shoreline clean-up of pond weed, but no major harvesting was taking place in either the north or south basin. Conroe is quick to add the summer is just getting started. He believes there will be some more algal blooms as time goes on, along with weed issues from hot weather. What winter ice there was on Chautauqua Lake disappeared early, leading some to think the weed growth would be robust, but -- so far -- that’s not been the case.
County Legislature approves motion denouncing racism...
Chautauqua County lawmakers have gone on record approving a motion denouncing racism countywide... and, promoting equality and inclusion for all. The motion was signed by a number of legislators... including Jamestown Democrat Tom Nelson... who teaches U-S History at Frewsburg High School. Nelson says he changed his day's lesson the day after someone wore "blackface" at a Halloween Party in the Frewsburg-area... and, it was publicized. However... he says this is not the end-all. He adds it's a "process -- it's not an event." Nelson says he looks forward to working with local community leaders and pastors to address the issue. Nelson and Jamestown Republican Dave Wilfong were among local leaders at a recent meeting with local clergy and members of the African-American community to discuss what happened. A Democrat from Jamestown, Billy Torres, is the first hispanic member of the legislature... and, recalled what one woman said during that meeting. Torres says she asked why people have to be "trained to like us."
Four-H Evaluation Day coming up as County Fair two-weeks away...
The Chautauqua County Fair is still two weeks away, but for members of 4-H the competition is already cranking up. The County’s 4-H Lead Educator, Lindsey Crisanti, says all ‘non-animal’ projects will be evaluated this Saturday. Crisanti says they have about 1,500 projects to evaluate this year... which is about 200 more than last year. Each project will get a ribbon, and 60 of them will be selected to go on to the New York State Fair later this summer. The variety of projects, Lindsey says, is amazing... including painting, sewing projects, and wearable art. All of the projects will be on display in the 4-H building at the fair in Dunkirk beginning July 17. The 4-H animal projects will be judged at various competitions during fair week.
